Chelsea will entertain AC Milan at Stamford Bridge on Wednesday evening in the Champions League, looking to get their Group E campaign up and running.
The Pensioners currently sit at the bottom of the table with just one point to their name so far after new manager Graham Potter’s first match in charge ended in a 1-1 home draw with RB Salzburg last month—a game preceded by a forgettable 1-0 defeat by Dinamo Zagreb that signalled the end of Thomas Tuchel’s reign at Stamford Bridge.
As a result, the game against AC Milan becomes very important for the Blues, who come into this fixture on the back of a 2-1 Premier League win over Crystal Palace.
Chelsea have received a timely triple injury boost before the visit of AC Milan, with N’Golo Kante, Marc Cucurella and Edouard Mendy all back in training. Kante is in the final stages of his recovery from a hamstring problem, while Cucurella has recovered from a bout of illness that kept him out of the Crystal Palace game.
Jorginho was forced off with a knock at Selhurst Park, though, he is presumably okay after being spotted in team training.
Goalkeeper
Kepa Arrizabalaga has deputised well in Edouard Mendy’s injury absence, and despite Mendy being close to returning to full fitness, there is no reason as to why Potter doesn’t stick with the Spaniard in goal against Milan.
Defence
Potter is unlikely to alter the 4-2-2-2 formation he used in Chelsea’s 2-1 win over Crystal Palace. Thiago Silva will partner Wesley Fofana at the heart of the defence in the Chelsea lineup, with Reece James and Ben Chilwell operating from the full-back positions.
James and Chilwell will have a busy day as they push forward and defend equally well when required against a strong Milan side.
Midfield
Up ahead in midfield, Mateo Kovacic is a dead certainty to feature and should partner Jorginho in the double pivot in the Chelsea lineup. If N’Golo Kante is deemed fully fit to be in the squad, he will be a great option to have on the bench.
As advanced 10s, Kai Havertz and Mason Mount will carry the responsibility of creating meaningful opportunities in the final third and making late runs into the box. They may not be afforded as much time and space on the ball by Milan players, as they had on Saturday at Selhurst Park.
Attack
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang scored his first goal in Chelsea colours when he netted against Palace. The Gabonese will be keen to build on that performance, as he looks to link well with his strike partner Raheem Sterling and open the Milan backline.
Armando Broja, Christian Pulisic and Hakim Ziyech will be solid offensive options to call upon from the bench if required.
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